Erimus Housing - Middlesbrough's biggest landlord - has achieved significant success since taking over council homes in the borough.

But, said Erimus's chief executive Bernard Williams, it is still an organisation in transformation.

"We want to be a high quality provider of housing services, to make a contribution to the wider social investment and be a key housing and regeneration partner," he said.

He was speaking at an event to mark "a year of achievement" by Erimus.

Mr Williams said Erimus had got off to a good start: "We have a long way to go but we are well on the road."

Erimus took over the 12,000 council houses in Middlesbrough in November 2004. Among its achievements so far highlighted by Mr Williams were:

* £26m spent improving 2,500 homes;

* 99% satisfaction levels among tenants;

* Extensive tenant involvement in helping Erimus to become a quality organisation;

* Reviews being carried out of the services provided with a view to further improvement;

* Opening of the Home Choice Centre in Corporation Road;

* Being judged the best homelessness service provider in the North-east;

* Opening the Tenants Resource Centre;

* Making a start on building new homes and planning to build 40 more homes in Whinney Banks;

* Being chosen as the preferred landlord for the transfer of Stockton Council's sheltered housing;

* Preparing for large scale improvements at Grove Hill.

Mr Williams said Erimus was also involved in wider social investment activities.

Under the Erimus Futures project work was being undertaken with primary school youngsters in East Middlesbrough about giving and receiving respect. Youngsters at the Unity City Academy were involved in a scheme to help introduce them to the world of work.

Mr Williams said Erimus was leading on providing a safe, clean and green environment under the STEM scheme (Stronger Together in East Middlesbrough).